What Size

DANO · 04-02-06, 05:01

Now that you guys made me crazy about detailing my carI want to buy a floor jack to take wheels off and clean wheel wells.Could i get away with a ton and one half or go with two ton.No big suvs just 2006 toyota rav4.

White95Max · 04-02-06, 06:59

The 2006 Rav4 went from a curb weight last year of 2877lbs to a weight of 3444lbs for the current model. Obviously you need to go with a two-ton jack. I'm assuming that the increase is due to the 4cyl Rav4 being tested previously, and the V6 Rav4 being tested this year. But regardless of that, I'd get a two-ton jack either way.

Accumulator · 04-02-06, 07:56

Also, loading a jack well under its max capacity generally makes for easier operation and greater control (not to mention safety). IMO jacks and jackstands are things you ought not skimp on; your safety is worth spending money on.

Even if you're just taking off the wheels I'd absolutely put jackstands under it just in case something happens with the jack. Things get bumped/etc. and jacks *do* fail (my second fancy floorjack from Griot's went inop last week, prompting me to order something *really* good).

Give some thought to the jack's pad- most jacks come with a steel one. I prefer rubber ones that don't mar up the undercarriage/jacking points. Consider what your usual jacking points will be when choosing the pad (there are different styles).

And also consider how high the jack will have to go. A RAV4 isn't the same as a 'vette, for instance.

This is one of those things that takes a little research and thought if you want to get the right setup the first time.